Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
